Women in Aviation

We look to encourage women to seek opportunities in aviation and join an elite group of Aviatrix.

The Whirly-Girls

The Whirly-Girls is a non-profit, educational and charitable organization dedicated to advancing women in helicopter aviation.

The Whirly-Girls organization is a non-profit 501(c)(3), educational and charitable organization dedicated to advancing women in helicopter aviation through the industry’s largest pool of annual scholarships while providing women helicopter pilots a forum for the exchange of information and opportunities. Membership is open to all women around the world who are rated helicopter pilots. As of 2006, there are more than 1,430 Whirly-Girls from 45 countries.

Whirly-Girls was formed in 1955 by Jean Ross Howard Phelan, who wanted to build a community where female helicopter pilots to share and grow. Today it has grown to include the largest source of scholarships for female helicopter pilots. Membership is open to any woman with a helicopter license. Additionally, the Whirly-Girls Auxiliary is available to those who are not eligible for regular membership. Membership affords you access to exclusive areas of the website, including job listings and networking opportunities.

Women In Aviation, International began in 1990 and was formally established in 1994 to encourage women to seek opportunities in aviation. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, of the nearly 700,000 active pilots in the United States, less than six percent are women and only slightly more than two percent ATP rated. Women account for only 2.13 percent of the more than 540,000 non-pilot aviation jobs in the United States.

Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. The 14,000+ membership includes astronauts, corporate pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers and many others.

They provide year-round resources to assist women in aviation and to encourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WAI also offers educational outreach programs to educators, aviation industry members and young people nationally and internationally.

Girls With Wings uses aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities for personal growth. Very Important Pilots, LLC, has founded this organization to use women in aviation as role models to inspire girls to reach their full potential. Visit www.girlswithwings.com for inspiration, fun and aviation themed items for girls of all ages. As a 6th grade attendee wrote, "My advice to other girls my age after hearing Lynda talk about being a pilot: if you have a dream, follow it and try new things. Don't give up!"